After the meeting, you feel like you're walking up in the clouds. Leo had already seen a lot of your work, and with Sam's recommendation, he felt confident in hiring you.

You will have your own office---something that surprises you, because Mandy didn't have her own office---and you'll be jumping into work first thing in the morning. You're excited, and a little afraid.

But, Leo told you that serving President Bartlet will be great. He didn't need to tell you that---of all your favorite politicians, he's at the top of the list.

Margaret meets you out in the foyer to Leo's office, and guides you through the halls. Leo asked her to show you out.

"Your office," she tells you as you walk, pointing her finger to a room. "Will be here, in the Communications area---"

"Anna!"

Your heart stops when you hear Sam's voice. You turn your head and see Sam, standing with CJ Cregg, and a dark man that looks very familiar. But, you can't place a name with his face.

You wave weakly and look at Margaret. "I guess I should---"

"I have to get back to my desk," she says quietly. "But, just make sure Sam shows you out."

"Um... okay."

Margaret smiles. "See you tomorrow. Remember, Senior Staff at seven-fifteen."

"Y-yeah."

When she leaves, Sam approaches. "Gonna sneak out without saying hi?"

"If only I could have gotten away with it," you reply, smiling a bit.

He chuckles. "C'mon, lemme introduce you to some people."

"Saaaaam."

"God, I missed hearing you say my name like that," he jokes quietly, smiling like a little boy. Your resolve melts; that smile always affected you, and it appears that it will continue to.

"Okay, let's go meet your friends," you say, nodding.

"Great," he replies, putting his hand against the small of your back and leading you towards the two people.

"This is Charlie Young," he says first, directing you to the young man. "He's the President's body man."

"Hi," you say with a smile. "Anna Boudreau."

He grins. "Nice to meet you. We've all been talking about you for a few days."

"Oh, that's great." You pause. "Um... what's a---"

"I'm his personal aide," Charlie explains.

"And he has a night off," Sam offered.

"That's exciting," you comment.

"It doesn't happen too often," Charlie admits.

"I'm CJ Cregg," the tall woman says, extending her hand for a shake.

You smile. "I know. I've seen some of your briefings."

"And you're the reason Sam knows how to get to Atlantic Canada," CJ adds with a smile.

You blush a bit. "Yeah. It's a long drive."

"But a nice drive," CJ says.

Sam clears his throat. "We were going to head out, go to a bar. You wanna come with?"

You glance at the clock on the wall. You know seven-fifteen in the morning will come soon enough; but, you're tempted to go out with Sam and his friends, because they're about to become your co-workers and you want to get to know them.

"That question was more of a rhetoric---"

"You bet," he interupts, smiling. "C'mon. Let's go. We're going to meet a few people at this place."

"They've got good music," CJ offers as she puts her coat on.

Charlie snorts. "Good music. Right."

CJ nudges him and laughs.

Sam smiles at you, leading you out of the bullpen towards the lobby. "I'm really glad you're here."

"You set this up."

"All of it."

You laugh quietly and nod. "Yeah."

"It's gonna be great."

"Yeah," you agree, feeling a little insecure in your response.

Click here to continue...